SECTION A FORMAT

ITEM 1

Lake Katwe is a significant source of an essential salt used in everyday life,

commonly known as table salt. Many people in the community lack adequate
understanding about the nature of this salt and its significance. A community
member has identified you as a knowledgeable person and is seeking your guidance
on this matter.

Task:
As a learner of chemistry;
a) Guide her on the explanation of the;
(i) Category of the compound
(ii) Suitability of the compound
b) Environmental challenges associated with the compound
ITEM 2

Naumba was visiting her grandmother in the village when she started to experience
body pains. Her grandmother gathered leaves from different plants, squeezed
them, and gave Naumba the product. Although Naumba was initially reluctant and
preferred to go to a Health Center, she felt much better after taking the product.
Naumba is now wondering why and has approached you for more guidance.

Task:
As a learner of chemistry:
(a) Help Naumba to understand how the product that her grandmother gave her
functions.
(b) Guide Naumba and her grandmother about the problems associated with the
use of the product.
(c) Evaluate the effectiveness of the products.

1
ITEM 3

Rachael and Blessing both run shops that sell homemade cookies and bread. The
community prefers Blessing’s cookies to Rachael’s. To support her business, Rachael
decided to buy cookies and bread from Blessing. She observed that they had a
delightful smell, look, and they also had a longer shelf life. Now, she is urgently
looking for ways to boost her sales.

Task:

As a learner of chemistry:

(a) Explain how the ingredients that are lacking in Rachael’s cookies and bread
works.
(b) Advice the consumers of the bread and cookies on the choice of the
ingredients

ITEM 4

Development officials in Iganga district have recently authorized a group of young

individuals to start a small-scale juice-making business after they received PDM
funds from the government. However, the officials advised the youths to use
packaging materials that are environmentally friendly for their juice products.

In response, the youths have arranged a meeting to explore potential alternative

packaging options.

Task:

As a learner of chemistry;

(a) Explain the category of the materials and help the youths understand the
suitability of the materials
(b) Do these materials impact the environment in any way? Guide them;

2
ITEM 5
On June 26, 2024, a washing contest was held at Mbale city schools, featuring two
girls: one from Bukasakya Primary School and the other from Wambwa Primary
School. Each girl received a full jerry-can of spring water, a basin, and two
detergents, P and R. Namasaba, known for winning such contests, selected
detergent P to wash her cloth but was disappointed to see persistent stains
remaining even after several rinses. In contrast, Mutesi opted for detergent R and
easily cleaned her cloth in just one rinse, winning the contest. Namasaba, feeling
frustrated and confused, could not understand why she did not succeed this time.
Task:
As a chemistry learner, write a message you will share with the two girls. In your
message;
(a) Assist Namasaba in understanding how the product functions.
(b) Explain to Namasaba the dangers that come with using the product.
(c) Assist them in assessing how effective the products are.

ITEM 6
Jordan is currently working on making high-quality windows and doors for his newly
built house while being mindful of the environment. He understands that there are
many materials available on the market for making windows and doors.

He recognizes that to produce high-quality windows and doors, it is important to

choose the right materials with the appropriate qualities and properties. However,
he is still confused with the choice and has come to you for guidance.
Task:
As a chemistry learner;
(a) Explain the suitability of the materials.
(b) Guide Jordan on whether the materials are environmentally friendly or not.

3
ITEM 7

Nakato, a 20-year-old lady, often visits her grandmother for products obtained
from plant extracts. One day, while returning from school with a friend, she
stumbled over a stone, fell, and cut her knees badly. Instead of going to her
grandmother, her friend took her to a nearby clinic. There, she received products
from the pharmacy, and was told to use them for five days. To her surprise, she
felt much better after the treatment. Now, she seeks your assistance in
understanding her improvement.

Task:

As a chemistry learner, write a message you will share with Nakato. In your
message;

(a) Assist her in explaining the functionality of the products she has received
(b) Evaluate the impacts associated with long term use of the products.

ITEM 8

Stephen is a well-known cyclist in Gayaza town who often receives treatment from
his grandmother, a traditional herbalist. One day, while returning home, he had an
accident on his motorcycle and injured both knees. Bystanders took him to the
closest clinic for treatment instead of bringing him to his grandmother. At the
clinic, he was prescribed penicillin tablets and instructed to take them for five
days. To his amazement, his wounds healed quickly, and he was able to return to
work by the end of the week. He has come to you for assistance in understanding
why he experienced such relief.

Task:

As a learner of chemistry, write a message you would share with Stephen. In your
message, guide Stephen on the:

(a) category of the product he received and help him know how the product
works
(b) evaluation

4
ITEM 9

In Bugitimwa Sub County, located in Sironko district, a recently completed

community school building is showing significant cracks and is at risk of collapsing.
The residents are considering taking action against the construction workers,
blaming them for using substandard materials.

As a result, the local council chairperson and the community development officer
have arranged a community meeting to address the residents' concerns and
explore alternative options for rebuilding the community school in an
environmentally friendly manner.

Task

Use your chemistry knowledge to;

(i) explain the category of the materials

(ii) explain the suitability of the materials
(iii) help the residents to understand if the materials have any effects on the
environment.

5
ITEM 10
Lekuru has started a new restaurant in a town within the Arua district. Her
restaurant is popular during lunchtime due to the delicious taste and attractive
presentation of her dishes. In contrast, other restaurant owners nearby struggle
to attract customers, leading to feelings of jealousy and frequent conflicts
between Lekuru and them. The local council chairperson understands that the
cause of the quarrels is from the ingredients used by the restaurant owners. As a
result, the chairperson has arranged a meeting to address the situation.

Task:
As a chemistry learner, write your own short message you would deliver if you were
invited to the meeting, in your message;
(a) Explain the functionality of the category of ingredients used by Lekuru.
(b) Guide the restaurant owners on the consequences related to using these
ingredients.
(c) Compare the ingredients with other similar ingredients.

ITEM 11
Masaba has opened a new electronics repair shop in Mbale city, specializing in
repairing spoilt devices such as radios, phones, and TVs. Many of these gadgets
have issues with broken wires. He is seeking high-quality substances to fix these
wires while minimizing environmental impact.

Masaba knows that selecting the right substances is crucial for making quality
repairs, but he is confused about which ones to choose and has asked for your
advice.
Task:
As a learner of chemistry;
a) Explain to Masaba the category of the products and why he chose the
products
b) Please guide Masaba on any environmental impacts of the products

6
 SECTION B FORMAT
INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
ITEM 12
Recently, researchers at Makerere University in Kampala found that locally made
ethanol could be a cost-effective, sustainable, and clean alternative for cooking
fuel if home brewers adopt advanced production methods. In light of this
discovery, the government has partnered with a foreign investor to establish an
Ethanol Production Plant in a village near Lira city, with minimal environmental
impacts. This is due to the surplus production of cassava in the region. However,
local residents are opposing the plant's establishment, arguing that the
government plans to take their valuable land and that the plant will not benefit
them.

The members of the science club at your school are interested in learning how the
production process will be conducted.

Task:

As a chemistry student, make a write up you will use during the presentation

7
ITEM 13

One major application of sulphuric acid is in paint manufacturing. To ensure a

steady supply of sulphuric acid at a lower price, the government has allowed a local
investor to establish a sulphuric acid production plant in Osukuru town council,
located in Tororo District. However, the community is worried about the potential
environmental impacts and the threat of losing their valuable land to the investor.

The local residents are curious about how sulphuric acid production will take place.
As a result, the class teacher has tasked you with sensitizing the students about
these new developments.

Task:

Prepare a brief presentation, you will make during the meeting.

8
ITEM 14

The hills of Bushiyi in Bududa district present a beautiful landscape. Recently, it

was found that they contain significant iron deposits. To ease the steel-rolling
mills' reliance on importing raw iron, the government plans to establish an iron
production plant in the area. However, local residents believe the government
intends to take their land and that the plant will not provide them with any
benefits. They are also interesting in knowing how steel bars can be produced from
rocks.

In response, they have organized a protest at the district headquarters, where the
District Development Officer has agreed to address their concerns during a talk
show on local radio.

Task:

As a learner of chemistry, prepare a presentation you would give on the talk to

calm down the residents if invited for the talk show.

9
ITEM 15

Soap is a widely used product essential for washing and has become a basic
necessity for almost every household. However, recent drastic increases in soap
prices have led to widespread public outcry. The government has attributed this
increase to the limited number of companies involved in soap production. Waiswa, a
local investor, plans to establish a soap factory in his village in Mayuge District.
Nevertheless, community members require reassurance that the factory will have
minimal environmental impact and that their land will be protected.

The chairman is interested in understanding the soap production process. To

address these concerns, the investor and local council members have reached out
to your school's science club to engage with the community.

Task:

As a chemistry learner, write down a message you will use during the presentation.

10
ITEM 16

Fertilizers are commonly added to soil to enhance its productivity. One such
fertilizer, ammonium nitrate, is often imported and sold to farmers at high prices.
To support the agricultural sector, the government aims to help farmers reduce
production costs by providing incentives to local investors interested in producing
the fertilizer. Crop Care Uganda Limited has chosen to seize this opportunity by
establishing a factory in Kiryandongo District. With the help of their local leaders,
community members have arranged a meeting where the factory owners will explain
how the fertilizer will be produced with minimal environmental impact.

Task:

Using the knowledge of chemistry, write a presentation you would deliver to the
members of the community upon invitation at the meeting.

11
 NATURAL RESOURCES

ITEM 17

The Nyara River is situated in Omugo village, in the Terego district of Uganda.
The local population relies on activities such as river sand mining, crop farming, and
animal husbandry, for their livelihoods. Recently, water levels have dropped
significantly, and the small amount of water that remains is not clean. Fish and
other aquatic animals are dying. These circumstances have raised concerns among
local authorities.

In response, the village chairperson has organized a workshop to raise awareness in

the community about the current situation around the river.

Task:

As a chemistry learner, write a message you will deliver if you were invited for the
workshop

12
ITEM 18

Tororo District is experiencing rapid development, with numerous trading centers

emerging in various villages. Many forests have been cleared and replaced with new
buildings. Recently, both vegetation and water wells have begun to dry up. Some
residents in the villages who engage in farming have reported changes in weather
patterns, leading to famine in certain areas of the district. These developments
have left many district officials concerned.

The chairperson of Local Council V plans to organize a sensitization workshop in

collaboration with the various Village Environmental Management Committees.

Task:

As a learner of chemistry, present the message you will share when called upon.

13
ITEM 19

The growing population and human activities in Hoima District have led to
significant environmental degradation, prompting concern from the District
officials.

Consequently, the District officials, through the District Environment Management

Committee, are planning to raise awareness among the residents of Hoima District
by organizing sensitization workshops in various villages throughout the district.
The theme of the workshop is “PRESERVE MOTHER EARTH; EXTRACT
RESPONSIBLY”

Task:

As a chemistry learner, prepare a short presentation that you will deliver during
the workshop when invited.

14
 PRACTICAL ITEMS
Item 20

In Nakivubo wetland, in Kampala district, the wastewater discharged into the

wetland from Mukwano Soap and oil industry contains traces of sodium hydroxide
which is unfavourable to the fresh water fish. The industry managers have been
advised by the industrial chemist of the industry to use solution of sulphuric acid
to normalize the alkaline waste in the water without affecting the life of fish. This
is because the reaction between sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide may produce
amounts of heat which is unfavourable, yet fresh water fish thrives well only if the
generated heat of 2180 – 2280 joules occurs in water.

You are provided with the following:

Solution BA1 which is a solution of sulphuric acid

BA2 is a sample of the alkaline fresh water from the wetland.

Some apparatus

Task:

(a) Design an experiment you can use to determine the amount of heat evolved
in this reaction.
(b) Carry out the experiment and record your data.
(c) Analyze your results and hence draw possible conclusion.

15
 RESPONSES
ITEM 1
a) (i) Ionic compound; formed between metallic and non-metallic atoms by transfer of
electrons from the atom of a metal to the atom of a non-metal to form oppositely
charged particles; for example, sodium chloride.
(ii) Properties and use of sodium chloride
 Sodium chloride is a crystalline solid at room temperature
 Sodium chloride is soluble in polar solvents like water
 Sodium chloride conducts electricity in either molten or aqueous state
 Sodium chloride has high melting and boiling points
Sodium chloride is used a preservative for food such as fish, meat.
Sodium chloride is also used in salting out soap during soap production process.
b) When sodium chloride enters water bodies, it increases salinity levels, which can be
harmful to some aquatic organisms and may lead to their death, contributing to
water pollution as they decompose. This can be mitigated through practicing proper
disposal of used salt.
ITEM 2
a) Naumba was given medicine. Traditional pain killer medicine
Pain killer medicine work by killing pain
Accept: Pain killer medicine relieve pain by blocking pain signals, reducing swelling
and changing how the brain perceives pain
b) The use of the product may cause allergic reactions in some people due to its
chemical components, leading to skin irritation, diarrhoea, and even vomiting. This
can be mitigated by using recommended medicines.
OR
Traditional pain killer medicines may lack precise dosages or standardized quality,
increasing the risk of overdose and potentially resulting in death. This risk can be
reduced by using traditional medicines with the supervision of qualified medical
professionals.
c) Similarity
Both traditional and modern pain killer medicines relieve pain
Difference
Traditional medicine Modern medicine
Obtained from either plant or animal Obtained through chemical processes in
extracts the laboratory
Less effective in action More effective in action
Has less side effects Has more side effects

16
ITEM 3
a) Rachael’s cookies and bread are lacking food additives. Synthetic food additives
such as preservatives, flavour enhancers, colours (dyes).
Food flavour enhancers functions by improving the taste and aroma of cookies and
bread
Food preservatives increase on the shelf life of cookies and bread
Food colours/dyes improve on the appearance of cookies and bread
b) Some people are allergic to some ingredients in food additives such as those in
flavour enhancers that may lead to diarrhoea on use.
This can be mitigated by using recommended amounts/limiting their use/reading
labels on flavour enhancers’ containers carefully.
Similarity
Both synthetic and natural additives such as food flavour enhancers improve on the
taste and aroma of cookies and bread.
Difference
Natural food additives Synthetic food additives
Obtained from either plant or animal Obtained through chemical processes in
extracts the laboratory
Less effective in action More effective in action
Has less side effects Has more side effects

ITEM 4
a) Materials can be categorized as natural and synthetic.
Natural materials are materials that come from a living thing; (or materials which
can be obtained from plant extracts). Example includes paper from wood pulp.
Synthetic materials are materials that are made artificially by man. Example
includes plastics.
Properties and uses of plastics
 Water proof
 Resistant to chemical/weather attack
 Very strong/high tensile strength
 Tough/hard
 Lightweight
 Durable/long lasting/do not rust
Plastics are used in making juice packaging bottles
Plastics are used in making juice packaging bags
b) Since most plastics are non-biodegradable, they can deplete the soil fertility if left
to accumulate in the soil. This can be mitigated by practicing proper disposal of
plastic bottles, bags.

17
ITEM 5
a) Namasaba used soapy detergent
A soapy detergent molecule has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.
Hydrophilic part, which loves water, dissolves in water while, the hydrophobic part,
which repels water, dissolves in dirt. During washing, the surface tension between
the water and dirt is reduced. With continuous agitation (scrubbing), the dirt is
removed and carried away by clean water during rinsing.
b) Soapy detergents contain chemicals that can cause eye redness and pain; hence loss
of vision. This can be mitigated by washing the eyes with plenty of fresh clean
water.
OR
Detergents contain chemicals that can cause skin burns, irritations and hence pain.
This can be mitigated by washing the affected areas with plenty of fresh clean
water.
OR
Soapless detergents contain ingredients like phosphates which when poured in
water bodies and left to accumulate there can cause algae bloom hence cutting off
the oxygen supply thus leading to death of some aquatic animals. This can be
mitigated by practicing proper disposal of detergents.
c) Similarity: Both soapy and soapless detergents are effective cleansing agents in
soft (rain) water.
Difference: Soapy detergents are not effective cleansing agents in hard water
while soapless detergents are effective cleansing agents in hard water.
ITEM 6
a) Materials can be categorized as natural and synthetic.
Natural materials are materials that exist in nature. Example includes wood.
Synthetic materials are materials that are made artificially by man from chemical
processes. Example includes aluminium.
Properties and use of aluminium
 Very strong/high tensile strength  Lightweight
 Durable  Malleable
 Resistant to corrosion  Ductile
 Good weldability
Aluminium can be used to make window frames and shutters because it is resistant to
corrosion and thus cannot be affected when exposed to moisture.
b) Aluminium reduces soil fertility when it accumulates in the soil due to improper
disposal resulting in lower crop yields. This can be mitigated by recycling or reusing
aluminium.

18
 OR
Properties and uses of wood
 Strong/high tensile strength
 Durable/long lasting if well maintained
 High/Good workability
 Renewable
 Lightweight when dry
 Sound absorption/sound proof
Wood can be used to make window frames and shutters.
Wood is obtained from cutting down trees, which results in an increase of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming/climate change results.
This can be mitigated by planting fast-growing trees.
ITEM 7
a) Nakato was given medicines. Modern analgesic medicines like aspirin
Analgesic medicines functions by killing pain
Accept: Analgesic medicines relieve pain by blocking pain signals, reducing swelling
and changing how the brain perceives pain
b) Some people are allergic to the chemicals in some modern analgesic medicines that
may lead to skin irritation or diarrhoea on use. This can be mitigated by using
recommended doses and also consulting the medical doctors.
OR
Modern analgesic medicines can pollute water sources and harm aquatic life if not
disposed of correctly. This can be mitigated by proper disposal of unused medicines
to avoid contaminating water.
Similarity
Both traditional and modern analgesic medicines relieve pain
Difference
Traditional medicine Modern medicine
Obtained from either plant or animal Obtained through chemical processes in
extracts the laboratory
Less effective in action More effective in action
Has less side effects Has more side effects

ITEM 8
a) Stephen was given medicine. Modern antibiotic medicines for example penicillin
Antibiotic medicines function by killing the bacteria.
Accept: Antibiotics function by killing or inhibiting the growth and reproduction of
bacteria

19
 Some people are allergic to the chemicals in some medicines such as those in
modern antibiotic medicines that may lead to skin irritation or diarrhoea on use.
This can be mitigated by using recommended doses and also consulting the doctors.
OR
The excessive use of modern antibiotics medicines can result in bacteria that are
resistant to drugs due to mutations, ultimately decreasing the effectiveness of
antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. This can be mitigated by following
proper dosage instructions/monitoring for any negative side effects/avoiding self-
medication.
b) Similarity
Both traditional and modern antibiotic medicines kill the bacteria
Difference
Traditional medicine Modern medicine
Obtained from either plant or animal Obtained through chemical processes in
extracts the laboratory
Less effective in action More effective in action
Has less side effects Has more side effects
ITEM 9
(i) Materials can be categorized as natural and synthetic.
Natural materials are materials that man has no influence over their formations.
Example includes wood.
Synthetic materials are materials that are made artificially by man from chemical
processes. Example includes iron, aluminium.
(ii) Properties and uses of iron
 Very strong/high tensile strength
 Malleable
 Ductile
 High melting point
 Tough/hard
 Durable if well maintained
 Good weldability

20
 Iron can be used for making frames and shutters of doors and windows.
Iron can be used for making iron sheets
(iii) Iron can rust and reduce soil fertility if it accumulates in the soil, leading to lower
crop yields. This can be mitigated through proper disposal of iron made materials.
ITEM 10
a) Lekuru uses Food additives such as synthetic food flavour enhancers.
Food flavour enhancers improve on the taste and aroma of food.
b) The chemicals in some food additives particularly those in food flavours enhancers
cause diarrhoea or allergic reactions in some people making them lose concentration
and this can be mitigated by using recommended food additives.
Similarity
c) Both natural and synthetic food additives such as flavour flavours improve on the
taste and aroma of food.
Difference
Natural food additives Synthetic food additives
Obtained from either plant or animal Obtained through chemical processes in
extracts the laboratory
Less effective in action More effective in action
Has less side effects Has more side effects
ITEM 11

a) The products that Masaba can use may be categorized as alloys and pure metals.
A pure metal is a substance that consists of only one type of atom and has a
uniform composition throughout such as lead.
An alloy is a uniform mixture of two or more elements with at least one component
being a metal, for instance solder.
Properties and use of Solder
 Has a low melting point.
 Good electrical conductivity.
 Good mechanical strength.
 It is durable / long lasting.
 It is resistant to corrosion.

Solder can be used for joining wires during the soldering process.

b) Because solder is non-biodegradable, its accumulation in the soil can reduce soil
fertility, resulting in lower crop yields. This can be mitigated by properly disposing
of wires that contain solder.

21
ITEM 12
Raw materials
Starch containing material such as cassava, malt, yeast, water
Process of production
Starch containing substance such as cassava is first crushed and heated in steam under
pressure to extract starch which is then mixed with water in a large container. Malt is
then added to starch in the container and it is then covered. Malt contains an enzyme,
diastase which catalyses the hydrolysis of starch to maltose.
Yeast is then added at room temperature to maltose in a container and one of its
enzymes, maltase catalyses the hydrolysis of maltose to glucose. Another enzyme found in
yeast (zymase) catalyses the breakdown of glucose into crude ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Glucose + water ethanol + carbon dioxide
The crude ethanol obtained, is then converted to pure ethanol by fractional distillation in
a distillation tower.
Side effect, explanation and mitigation
During the production process, toxic fumes may be released to the atmosphere which
when left to accumulate can cause global warming leading to increased temperatures and
climate change. This can be mitigated by using catalytic converters in the machine
exhaust pipes in order to make harmful gases harmless.
Social benefit
Employment opportunities: The establishment of a nitrogen plant in the community can
create jobs for local residents. This boosts their income, enabling them to afford basic
needs like housing and education, ultimately improving their standards of living.
ITEM 13
Raw materials
Sulphur, oxygen, water, vanadium (V) oxide catalyst
Process of production
Sulphur is burnt in excess air (oxygen) to produce sulphur dioxide in a combustion tube.
Sulphur + oxygen gas sulphur dioxide gas
The sulphur dioxide and oxygen gas are purified and dried to remove any dust particles
and impurities which would be poisonous to the catalyst The purified gases are then mixed
and passed through vanadium (V) oxide catalyst at a temperature of 4500C and a pressure
of 2-3 atmospheres to form sulphur trioxide gas. This reaction occurs in a combustion
cylinder.
Sulphur dioxide + oxygen sulphur trioxide
Sulphur trioxide gas is dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid to form a fuming liquid
called Oleum in a tank.
Sulphur trioxide + concentrated sulphuric acid Oleum
The oleum produced is then carefully diluted with distilled water to give 98 % pure
concentrated sulphuric acid in a tank
Oleum + water concentrated sulphuric acid

22
Side effect, explanation and mitigation
Toxic misty fumes from oleum released during the production process when inhaled may
cause lung cancer leading to death. This can be mitigated by putting on personal
protective gears such as masks.
Social benefits
It provides employment opportunities to the community members making them earn
salaries hence improving their standards of living.
ITEM 14
Raw materials
An ore such as haematite, coke, limestone and hot air.
Process of production
The ore such as haematite is first roasted in air in a furnace to drive off water in it.
The roasted ore, coke and limestone are mixed and then fed into the blast furnace.
Hot air is blown into the blast furnace from the bottom.
The oxygen in the hot air reacts with coke forming carbon dioxide.
Coke + oxygen carbon dioxide
Higher up the furnace, the carbon dioxide is reduced by unburnt hot coke to form carbon
monoxide.
Carbon dioxide + coke carbon monoxide
The carbon monoxide formed reduces the haematite to molten iron and itself oxidized to
carbon dioxide.
Iron (III) oxide + carbon monoxide molten iron + carbon dioxide
The molten iron runs to the bottom of the blast furnace where it is tapped off.
Due to the high temperature in the furnace, limestone is decomposed into calcium oxide
and carbon dioxide.
Calcium carbonate calcium oxide + carbon dioxide
The calcium oxide being basic reacts with sand (silicon dioxide) present as an acidic
impurity in the ore to form calcium silicate (molten slag).
Calcium oxide + silicon dioxide calcium silicate
The molten slag is less dense than molten iron, so it floats on top of the molten iron and it
is tapped off separately.
Pure iron (wrought iron) is obtained by passing air through molten iron to remove non-
metallic impurities.
Side effect, explanation and mitigation
Toxic fumes may be produced during the production process which when left to
accumulate in the atmosphere can cause global warming leading to increased temperatures
and climate change. This can be mitigated by installing catalytic converters in order to
make the harmful gases harmless.
Social benefit
Provides employment opportunities to the people making them earn income and this can
make them to improve on their living standards.

23
ITEM 15
Raw materials
Cotton seeds/sunflower seeds, concentrated sodium hydroxide solution, concentrated
sodium chloride solution.
Process of production
Soap is manufactured by a process called saponification that is alkaline hydrolysis of
vegetable oil.
Cotton seeds are roasted and crushed in a tank to extract vegetable oils.
The vegetable oil obtained is mixed with concentrated sodium hydroxide solution, and the
mixture is boiled in a large metallic container for some time until frothing stops. The
mixture is allowed to cool.
Soap is produced in solution form. Concentrated sodium chloride solution is added to soap
solution to precipitate (salt out) soap in the container by lowering the solubility of soap in
the mixture.
Solid soap is then removed by skimming off, then purified by washing it using clean water
and compressed into continuous block which is then cut into bars.
Side effect, explanation and mitigation
When soap waste products and raw materials are poured into water bodies can cause
water pollution making unsafe for use and also harms aquatic animals. This can be
mitigated by practicing proper disposal of the waste products.
Social benefit
Provides employment opportunities to the citizens making them earn salaries hence
improving their standards of living.
ITEM 16
Manufacture of ammonium nitrate fertilizers
Raw materials
Nitrogen gas, hydrogen gas, and nitric acid
Process of production
Dry nitrogen gas obtained from fractional distillation of liquid air is reacted with dry
hydrogen gas from natural gas in the ratio 1:3 in the presence of finely divided iron
catalyst at high pressure of 200 atmospheres and low temperature of 450oC to form
ammonia gas in the Haber process. All these occur in a tank.
Nitrogen gas + hydrogen gas ammonia gas
Ammonium nitrate an excellent nitrogen fertilizer is obtained by reacting ammonia from
Haber process with nitric acid.
Ammonia + nitric acid ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate can further be concentrated, purified and converted into solid forms
and packaged for storage.
Side effect, explanation and mitigation
Runoffs of the fertilizers from the production plants into water bodies promotes
increased algae growth hence cutting off the oxygen supply leading to suffocation of

24
aquatic animals and this can mitigated by practicing proper disposal of these fertilizers
runoffs.
Social benefit
Source of employment to the surrounding community members making them get salaries
hence improving on their living standards.
ITEM 17
Water from river Nyara is a renewable natural resource because it can be replenished or
regenerated naturally over time. Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
Water as a natural resource is important in everyday life in the following ways;
Water is used in photosynthesis. Water combines with carbon dioxide in presence of
sunlight energy trapped by chlorophyll to form starch which is eaten by humans to get
energy.
Various human activities have greatly affected water as a natural resource such as;
Crop farming; during crop farming, the use of fertilizers and manures can pollute water
bodies, making the water unsafe for use and harming marine life. This can be mitigated by
farmers using organic fertilizers instead.
Animal husbandry; involves animals sharing water sources with humans, which can lead to
water pollution from their waste and make water unsafe for use. This can be mitigated by
properly disposing of animal waste and converting it into useful products, such as biogas,
organic fertilizers and briquettes.
ITEM 18
Trees from the forests are renewable natural resource because they can be replaced
easily and naturally once used up. Trees are composed of elements such as carbon,
hydrogen, magnesium, oxygen among others.
Trees as a natural resource are very important to human life in the following ways;
Trees from the forest are used as fuels since they burn to release heat energy which can
be used for cooking among others.
Trees provide us with oxygen during photosynthesis. Oxygen released can be used during
respiration.
Human activities being carried out affect trees as a natural resource in the following ways;
Constructing homes and industries often involves cutting down trees that help reduce
greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This contributes to global
warming, resulting in higher temperatures and climate change. This can be mitigated by
planting fast-growing trees.

ITEM 19
“PRESERVE MOTHER EARTH; EXTRACT RESPONSIBLY”
The environment is composed of various natural resources that are both renewable and
non-renewable.

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Renewable natural resources are resources that can be replaced easily and naturally once
used up such as air.
Non-renewable natural resources are resources that cannot be replaced easily and
naturally once used up such as rocks. Rocks are composed of various minerals like calcium
carbonate, iron, aluminium, gold among others.
Rocks as a natural resource are beneficial to human life in the following ways;
Rocks contain minerals like aluminum which can be used in making building materials like
doors and windows shutters.
Various human activities such as stone quarrying have been carried out and affect the
natural resources in the following ways;
Stone quarrying; involves breaking rocks into smaller stones and gravel for construction,
which generates dust emissions that can pollute the air. When inhaled, this dust can lead
to respiratory problems such asthma and bronchitis. This can be mitigated by the
government putting strict policies and laws against stone quarrying.

ITEM 20
a) Design an experiment
Aim of the experiment
An experiment to determine the amount of heat produced in the reaction between
dilute sulphuric acid (BA1) and sodium hydroxide solution (BA2).
Hypothesis
The reaction between dilute sulphuric acid (BA1) and sodium hydroxide solution
(BA2) produces heat to the surrounding.
Variables of the experiment
Dependent – temperature of solution mixture
Independent – volume of dilute sulphuric acid
Controlled – volume of sodium hydroxide solution is kept constant by using the same
pipetted volume for all the experiments.
Risk and mitigation
Risk of spilling of the acid on the skin; this is mitigated by wearing protective gears
such as gloves.
Risk of breaking glassware such as thermometer; this is mitigated by careful
handling of the glassware.
Procedure of the experiment
(a) Using a thermometer, the initial temperatures of BA1 and BA2 are measured
and recorded as T1 and T2 respectively.
(b) The burette is clamped on the retort stand. BA1 solution is then transferred
to the burette and leveled to a zero mark.

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 (c) 25.0 cm3 of BA2 solution is pipetted using a pipette and then transferred
into an empty plastic beaker.
(d) Using a burette, 10.00 cm3 of BA1 is run into another empty plastic beaker.
This is then poured at once into a beaker containing 25.0 cm3 of BA2.
Immediately the thermometer is inserted into the solution mixture.
(e) The solution mixture is gently and continuously stirred with the
thermometer and the maximum temperature attained is read and recorded
in the table as T3.
(f) Procedures (d) and (e) are repeated by adding BA1 solution at uniform
intervals of 10.00 cm3 such that the volumes of BA1 added equals to 20,00,
30.00, 40.00 and 50.00 cm3
(g) The results are tabulated in the table including the values of temperature
change, T.
b) Carry out the experiment and record your data
Results
Initial temperature of BA1, T1 = 27.0 0C
Initial temperature of BA2, T2 = 27.0 0C
= 27.0 0C
Volume of BA2 pipetted = 25.0 cm3
Volume of BA1 added (cm3) 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00
T3 (0C) 35.0 39.0 37.0 34.0 31.0
T (0C) 8.0 12.0 10.0 7.0 4.0
c) Analyze your results and hence draw possible conclusion.
The temperature change, T was calculated by subtracting the average initial
temperature from the maximum temperature, T3 attained by the solution
mixture. For instance 39.0 – 27.0 = 12.0 0C
A graph of T against volume of BA1 added was plotted
Heat produced was calculated from Q = mc
= (25+20) x 4.2 x 12
=
In conclusion, heat is produced between the reaction of BA1 and BA2.
Basing on the heat evolved at maximum temperature change, I would advise the
industry manager to use 20.00 cm3 of BA1 and 25.0 cm3 BA2 to generate heat of
which will endanger the life of fresh water fish.

END

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